Become an authorised on-demand booking service

An On-demand Booking Service authorisation will allow a booking service to operate state-wide and will be valid for 12 months.

Getting started

If you are considering setting up an on-demand transport business there are a few things to consider to make sure you’re ready.

You will need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to apply for an ODBS authorisation.

You will need a business name or logo to meet vehicle signage and sticker requirements.

Sign up for a DoTDirect account that properly reflects your business structure.

If you’re a sole operator, you can use your individual DoTDirect account. However, if you want other people to have access to your business dealings in DoTDirect (such as a business partner) then you should apply for an organisation account.

Research what equipment your vehicle will require, where to get it made and how much it will cost. This may include equipment such as:

A detailed User Guide on how to use DoTDirect to apply for your ODBS authorisation is provided below.

To prepare for authorisation, please ensure your business has a DoTDirect account in the name of the legal entity you wish to operate under and that you prepare the required documentation.

Required documentation

During the application process you will be required to upload additional information in support of your application. This information will include:

Documented evidence confirming the structure of the entity you are making the application for (e.g. corporations require a recent company extract, partnerships require a partnership agreement and trusts require a trust deed);

Proof of identity and residency (On-demand Transport has specific proof of identity requirements for Responsible Officers);

National Police Clearance (issued within the last three months); and

Statement of Authority for the Responsible Officer(s) who will represent the ODBS.

Please note it can take up to 7 business days to receive a National Police Clearance certificate. Information on how to obtain a National Police Clearance is available on the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission website.

Direct debit information

During the application process, you will be asked to provide direct debit details. Please see below for relevant documentation:

On-demand booking service fees and charges (2019/2020)

To become an authorised on-demand booking service (ODBS), an application fee and, if approved, an annual authorisation fee, must be paid.

The one-off application fee is payable by applicants when they lodge their application.

The authorisation fee is an annual charge dependent on the number of vehicles the applicant expects to dispatch work to. This fee is payable when the application for the ODBS is approved.

When applying for authorisation, the ODBS applicant must indicate which fee band (number of vehicles) best meets their needs for the upcoming year. It is recommended that businesses apply for authorisation based on the highest number of vehicles they expect to dispatch work to over the next 12 months.

COVID-19 relief for industry: ODBS authorisation renewal fees waived

All on-demand booking service (ODBS) authorisation renewal fees will be waived for renewals due before April 2021, to provide timely financial relief to the passenger transport industry and ease the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Booking services who have already paid their ODBS authorisation renewal this year will have the fee waiver applied to their ODBS authorisation renewal in 2021. Visit the COVID-19 relief for passenger transport industry webpage for further information.

If you operate an authorised ODBS (or have an association arrangement with an authorised ODBS) and pass a booking on to another authorised ODBS (i.e. the passenger and job details are fully communicated to the other provider who then takes full responsibility for liaising with the passenger), you do not need to count them in your fee band.

However, if you dispatch a job to another on-demand passenger transport service provider, but retain the booking and communication with the passenger (i.e. you remain 'the face' of the booking), then you must count this vehicle in your fee band when applying for authorisation.

It is important to understand the difference between these processes to ensure you choose the most appropriate fee band for your business when applying for ODBS authorisation. You must consider the maximum number of vehicles you are likely to dispatch work to over the year.

Responsible officer requirements

Booking services must supply the details of at least one Responsible Officer. The Responsible Officer is nominated to represent the booking service and must meet a number of criteria.

The nominated Responsible Officer(s) must be a person:

directly involved in the day-to-day management of the ODBS;

who has the authority to represent the provider of the ODBS,

who has access and authority to provide any information relating to the ODBS;

who is fit and proper in character, and

who has the capacity, on behalf of the ODBS, to influence the safety of the drivers and vehicles used to deliver the on-demand trips.

The ODT103: Statement of Authority for Nomination of Responsible Officer form must be completed and submitted during the ODBS application process.

It can take up to 7 business days to receive a National Police Clearance certificate. Information on how to obtain a National Police Clearance is available on the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission website.

Please note: On-demand Transport has specific proof of identity requirements for Responsible Officers. These are different to those required to be granted a Western Australian driver's licence, learner's permit or Photo Card.

For further information, please view the fact sheet: What is a responsible officer?

Assessment process

The Department of Transport will assess applications for ODBS authorisation once an application has been lodged and the application fee paid. The application must be lodged, and fee paid in full within 14 days of starting the application process.

Once the application has been submitted, the applications must be assessed by DoT against a range of criteria. Authorisations will be granted once this process has been completed.

Fully complete applications with correct, current supporting documentation can be expected to be assessed by DoT within 10 business days. Incomplete applications or applications with out-of-date supporting documentation may experience delays in being processed.

Types of entities: On-demand booking services

On-demand booking services may operate as individual sole traders, corporations, or partnerships and trusts. Business structures are defined as:

Sole traders: an individual operating as the sole person legally responsible for all aspects of the business. Like other structures, as a sole trader you can employ people to help you run your business.

Corporations: a legal entity separate from its shareholders.

Partnerships: an association of people or entities running a business together but not as a company.

Trust: an entity that holds property or income for the benefit of others.

Co-operatives: a legal entity created pursuant to a specific statute (legislation).

For further information about each entity and to decide which business structure best suits your needs, visit business.gov.au.

How to get a DoTDirect account for your booking service

Find out how to register your booking service for a DoTDirect account.

Locate one of the many DoTcontacts, including approved third party agents.

Become a client of the Department of Transport

Prior to applying for an ODBS authorisation, services first need to become a client of Department of Transport (DoT).

As a client of DoT, booking services will be issued with a DoTDirect account. DoTDirect is an online portal that allows customers to complete DoT transactions such as licensing, vehicle registrations and authorisations.

Having a DoTDirect account does not mean a booking service is authorised. Booking services will still need to apply for authorisation via DoTDirect.

Please note: On-demand Transport has specific proof of identity requirements for becoming a DoT client. These are different to those required to be granted a Western Australian driver's licence, learner's permit or Photo Card.

Do you need to complete a form?

If you haven't already, please answer the questions above under How to get a DoTDirect account for your booking service to find out whether you need to complete one of the forms (ODT100, ODT101 or ODT102) below. Please note completing a form does not mean a booking service is authorised, booking services will still need to apply for authorisation via DoTDirect.